The Four Biggest Mistakes SSD Claimants Make When Applying for Benefits

 Posted on June 15, 2015 in Uncategorized

While so many of us unable to work are able to benefit for Social Security Disability benefits, not all who apply for them-and truly need them-receive the relief they need. This is due to an extremely stringent and rigorous examination process the Social Security Administration (SSA) must employ to deter fraud and select claims that are actually legitimate. The unfortunate side of this vetting process is that many deserving applicants are denied benefits.

Most of these denials are due to common mistakes applicants may not be aware are frowned upon. Many of these simple mistakes can be caught early and corrected either before applying or after receiving a rejection.

Four common mistakes claimants make with their SSD application include:

• Collecting unemployment while filing for SSD benefits: for many, unemployment and SSD may seem like the same thing, but they are very different. Collecting unemployment means that you have agreed to actively look for work. SSD benefits require applicants to establish that they are physically or mentally unable to work for a prolonged period of time. If the SSA sees that an applicant is collecting unemployment, their application will be denied.

• Failing to follow doctor's orders or take prescribed medication: SSD benefits are supposed to be reserved for individuals who are taking the best care of themselves possible, but are still unable to work. If the SSA sees that an applicant is not following medical advice, it is almost a certainty their application will be denied.

• Continuing to work while applying for SSD benefits: it is possible to earn a little income while still claiming to be unable to work. The SSA calls this SGA, or substantial gainful activity. SGA is a very low amount per month, however, and if you earn anything over this amount, your claim will be denied.

• Failing to check the status of your SSD claim: after submitting your claim, this may seem like an unnecessary measure, but the truth is that the SSA is suffering from a huge backlog of SSD applications. Without making the SSA aware that you are waiting for an answer, these claims can be lost or claimants can be denied benefits without ever being notified.

Navigating the Application Process with You

These common mistakes are only few of the many possible when applying for disability benefits. This is why it is always recommended that you retain an experienced and knowledgeable Dallas SSD attorney to help you navigate this process and ensure that your application is as denial proof as possible.

AtCoats & Todd, we have been assisting clients with their disability claims for more than two decades. In that time, we have helped countless of those who deserve relief receive the compensation they need to continue to live on the fullest life possible.

Don't just retain a lawyer for this process-gain an advocate. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.